Transform Rockford Spotlight: Sharon Cooper

In Rockford area since: I grew up in DeKalb and came to Rockford in 1983 to begin career at a manufacturing company after graduating from the University of Iowa.

Transform Rockford involvement: I am helping on the analysis and process teams.

The analysis team began by gathering data related to what “Top 25” communities look like in comparison to where Rockford is today. This information was presented at Ellis Academy in December prior to the community visioning work and reveal that was just completed earlier this month. Going forward, the analysis team members will support the strategy teams that are currently being formed by gathering, analyzing and presenting relevant data.

The process team’s mission is to adapt, communicate, train and monitor an agreed-upon, standard process to enable the transformation of Rockford. Using a proven process that supports and aligns with the shared values is critical to making progress toward the realization of our community’s “dream big” goal of being a “Top 25” community by 2025.

Quote: All of us have a tremendous opportunity to work together to improve the community. By staying aligned to the shared values and a proven process of the Transform Rockford initiative, we can achieve the vision: “Our community is recognized as one of the very best regions to live in the US. Our residents are thriving and enjoying a superior quality of life. We have transformed our community by embracing our diversity, fostering a crime-free culture and delivering an excellent education to all our children.”

We have an agile and vigorous economy built on the renaissance of North American manufacturing, logistics, agribusiness and our adjacency to urban centers, such as Chicago. Our infrastructure is robust, our workforce is sought after, and our vibrant neighborhoods and cultural and recreational amenities draw people to locate in our region.

What’s new at Transform Rockford: Now the work begins. As the vision is finalized, teams will form and begin work on strategies to move us toward becoming a Top 25 community by 2025. Visit transformrockford.org for updates.